John was broken and devastated. His girlfriend of nine months had just broken up with him. There were many questions and much hurt. What happened? Why? How could this have happened? What could he have done differently? On top of this, John started to harbor feelings of bitterness towards his now ex-girlfriend. Some of the things she said to him had really hurt him. He wanted to still be friends with her, and he wanted to not be bitter towards her, but he didn't think that was possible. So he started to pray about it.
After spending much time in prayer and in God's Word wrestling over his own thoughts and emotions, John came upon 2 Corinthians 5:18. He read these words: "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." John sat there and read this passage over and over again with his mouth wide open. He had read this verse before, but it hadn't spoken to him like it did at that moment.
John realized that God had a great yearning for him to be reconciled to Him. This yearning was so great that Jesus died for him in order that their relationship could be restored. John began to see God's love in a greater way.
As a result of this, John was able to work through his feelings of bitterness towards his ex-girlfriend. He realized that only through God's strength could he forgive her. After all, God has reconciled John to Himself and forgiven him.
During this Lenten season that is what we remember. We reflect upon Jesus and His love that is given for us. We read those same words in 2 Corinthians 5:18. "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." God has reconciled us to Himself in Jesus Christ! May your Lenten season be one of reconciliation.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for reconciling us to You. Your love for us is so great. Help us to forgive others as You have forgiven us. Amen.
Written by Pastor Adam Parvey
Redeemer Lutheran Church - Springfield, Missouri
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